New Leader Takes Charge in Madagascar After Coup

Following a military coup in Madagascar triggered by weeks of protests, Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been inaugurated as the new president. He has rejected calls for immediate elections, promising a transition period of up to two years.

Key Points

Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as President of Madagascar following a military coup led by his special unit, Capsat.
The coup was prompted by widespread protests against the previous president, Andry Rajoelina, who has since left the country.
Randrianirina has committed to holding elections within 18 to 24 months but rejected demands for elections within 60 days.
The African Union has suspended Madagascar's membership until constitutional order is restored.
The United Nations Secretary-General has condemned the military takeover.
The new president has pledged to address economic issues and break with the past.

Background

Madagascar has been grappling with political instability and socio-economic challenges. Weeks of protests, fueled by issues such as electricity and water shortages, educational shortcomings, high unemployment, and widespread poverty, culminated in the military intervention. The protests specifically called for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. Rajoelina himself came to power in 2009 through a coup and had been president since 2019. The military takeover was spearheaded by Capsat, a special unit within the army. Rajoelina's government faced criticism for its response to the protests, which included the use of water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition.

Numbers & Facts

Michael Randrianirina: Colonel, the new president of Madagascar.
Andry Rajoelina: The former president who left the country after weeks of protests.
Capsat: The special military unit that led the coup.
1.5-2 years: The timeframe within which Randrianirina has promised to hold elections.
60 days: The timeframe for elections demanded by the Constitutional Court, which Randrianirina rejected.
80%: The percentage of the Madagascan population living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.
22: The number of people reportedly killed during the initial days of protests in late September, according to the United Nations.
2009: The year Andry Rajoelina first came to power through a coup.
2019: The year Andry Rajoelina began his most recent presidential term.

Assessment

The military coup and subsequent inauguration of Colonel Randrianirina as president mark a significant shift in Madagascar's political landscape. The coup reflects deep-seated public discontent with the previous administration, stemming from socio-economic hardships and perceived governance failures. The international community, including the UN and the African Union, has expressed concern over the unconstitutional change of government. The AU's suspension of Madagascar underscores the potential for diplomatic isolation. For the people of Madagascar, the change in leadership offers a glimmer of hope for addressing the country's pressing economic problems and improving living conditions. However, the extended transition period proposed by Randrianirina raises concerns about the duration of military rule and the potential for further instability. The presence of international diplomats at the inauguration suggests a willingness to engage with the new leadership, but this engagement will likely be contingent on progress towards restoring constitutional order and holding free and fair elections.

Outlook

The immediate future of Madagascar hinges on the actions of Colonel Randrianirina and the military-led committee. Key factors to watch include:

The formation and composition of the transitional government: The inclusivity and competence of this government will be crucial for building public trust and managing the transition.
The implementation of promised reforms: Concrete steps to address economic issues, improve governance, and combat corruption will be vital for addressing the underlying causes of the protests.
The timeline and preparations for elections: Credible and transparent electoral processes are essential for restoring constitutional order and ensuring a legitimate transfer of power.
The response of the international community: Continued engagement and support from international partners will be necessary to help Madagascar navigate the transition and address its development challenges.
The potential for further unrest: The risk of renewed protests or instability remains if the new leadership fails to deliver tangible improvements and address the concerns of the population.

Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/afrika/madagaskar-militaerputsch-vereidigung-100.html